Friday, December 29, 2006

The Wedding is coming!

Only two weeks from tomorrow and I will have another married daughter and a new son-in-law. It is going to be such a beautiful wedding and I know we will have a wonderful day of memories to share. I am so happy for Brad and Michelle. They grew up together, in fact, Michelle has always told me she would marry Brad someday. They never dated until about a year and a half ago though. Somehow, in her heart she knew God's plan for her. It makes me feel so good to know that God has worked out their lives to be together and they are listening to Him. He is so good!!!! I can't wait to feel His presence in their ceremony and watch as He knits two lives together from this day forward. I have always wondered at what moment in the wedding ceremony does God "seal" their union. Is it the pronouncement, the kiss, the I Do's? When does the magic happen? I love weddings!

Holiday Week

I absolutely love the week between Christmas and New Year's. There is still such a holiday "feel" in the air but all the pressure of Christmas is gone! Something we love to do during this week is go to alot of movies. I don't know why lol! because we don't usually go to movies. But we give ourselves permission to splurge on popcorn and movies during this week! Last night we went to "We Are Marshall" and it was very good. Even though it is a sad story, there is so much hope too. Tonight we are going to the new "Rocky" movie! Sometimes it seems kind of silly - but I guess that is what makes it fun!

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Merry Christmas

I will be away from my computer for a few days - all of my four darling daughters will be home for Christmas and we are going to have a fun few days! Lots of food, lots of games, and lots of love are on my agenda! I absolutely love Christmas and all the traditions we have in our home. From talent shows, to stockings, to hot chocolate that is chocolate enough to give you a sugar high for 2 months, to treasuring Luke chapter 2, to sharing breakfast at the diner in town where we are the only customers allowed on Christmas morning (because the owners are dear friends and this is always their gift to us), to the Christmas Eve service, and everything in between it is my most special and favorite time! I pray that this Holy Day is just as special to anyone who reads this blog. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Ordering Christmas presents online

I am so frustrated!!! Every time I wanted to go Christmas shopping my husband wanted to go with me. I love spending time with him so I would always happily agree. However, I never could get his gift because if he knew I wanted to go to Cabela's he would instantly know what he is getting - a gps unit. So I decided to order it online which is my most very favorite way to shop - at least until now. I was being sneaky, so I had it sent to my workplace. Today I discovered that the day it is arriving is Friday and our workplace is not open on Friday!!! What am I going to do????? I am trying to get UPS to change the delivery address and it may work but I won't know until Thursday. This is killing me!!! My husband won't have a gift to open on Christmas if I can't make this work. :(

Monday, December 18, 2006

Is there life after kids?

So when exactly is the empty nest syndrome supposed to occur? It seems to me that my adult children take as much if not more of my time than they did when they were little!! I know that probably doesn't sound real encouraging to those of you who are struggling with dirty diapers, runny noses, blocks all over the house, and last minute canceling baby sitters - but I am just wondering!
My 26 year old daughter is getting married next month and what started out to be "all we want is a small wedding" is turning into an EVENT I tell you! I am absolutely overwhelmed and up to my eyeballs in sewing, programs, table centerpieces, and decorating. I know it is going to be a fabulous, emotional, and very fun day - but boy oh boy- I am not sure I am going to be able to pull it all together in time. I told her we need to call a magazine to come and do a photo shoot of this event!
I am so happy for her though. She is marrying the guy she has loved since she was 12! She is such a good girl and she has "done it right" all her life. I want nothing but the best for her and he seems to be it. I think they will have a great marriage forever. When he came and asked for our blessing, I told him that if he could promise me that he would love God with his whole heart and love her like her dad has loved me then I was all for it. He promised. Sooo....I'd better get back to my sewing machine - I have one and a half bridesmaids dresses left to do!

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Back home in the USA

It's so good to be home again! We had an incredible trip with incredible adventures, but more than ever I am so glad to be home. I love our country! One thing that was so evident to me was how young we are as a nation - my goodness, we are just getting started. When you can put your hands on pillars and walls that are literally thousands of years old, you realize that we are just babies! There is nothing in our great nation that can hold a candle to the antiquities of Italy, Greece, and Turkey!
In the future, I will write more of our experiences and try to post some pictures. Aside from my fear of flying, and being seasick - I am so glad I went.